How are pilots trained? Who's in the cockpit

Behind the cockpit door are two people who trained for years and whose training never really ends.

A long road

Becoming an airline pilot starts with theory, then flight training in small aircraft and licence exams. A pilot joining an airline then trains specifically for the aircraft type they'll fly, much of it in full-motion simulators. After that they fly real flights under supervision alongside an experienced captain.

Training never stops

Throughout their careers pilots go through simulator checks and medical exams at regular intervals, usually several times a year. In the simulator they practise unusual situations again and again, so every step is familiar in a real flight.

Captain and first officer

The captain is in charge of the flight; the first officer is also a fully qualified pilot, and they take turns flying. While one flies, the other monitors, handles the radio and reads the checklists. On long flights extra pilots come along so the crew can rest.

Working as a team

Aviation uses a way of working called crew resource management: everyone in the cockpit speaks up about what they see, and decisions are confirmed together. The cabin crew are part of this team and stay in constant contact with the pilots.